Finally shot my 7wsm

[375hh1973]

Finally had a day off that wasnt windy, stormy, 100 degrees, or filled with demands from the better half. I had purchased a Win M70 Extreme Weather in 7wsm awile back and topped it with a Minox 3-15x42 XR-BDC. I also had negotiated a heck of a deal on some Federal Premium ammo in both the 160gr Partition and the 160gr AccuBond. I planned on shooting both, seeing what worked best, then going back and buying the rest of whatever worked. I also took along my BLR SS/Mossy Oak Brush just to verify zero and give me something else to shoot.

I planned to start at 50 yards with the 7wsm because I dont own a bore-sighter. The range was crazy busy as it was a gorgeous Sunday and the 50 yard and 25 yard ranges were full. I went to the 100 and pulled the bolt and did a quick bore sight on the 7wsm.

My first 3-shot group with the 160gr NAB was 1.5" about 4" low and 4" left. My scope is clearly marked "1 click = 1/4". OK. I moved 16 clicks up and 16 clicks right, should be about dead center. My next bullet went 4" high and 4" right of the bullseye. Must have flinched. Sent another down range. Touched the first one, 4" high and 4" to the right. Third one was right there as well. I decided my math must be fuzzy so I went 8 clicks down and 8 left just to see what happened. Bullseyes. Next 3 shot group was very nicely dead center.

I want this rifle to shoot 1.5" high at 100 yds, will be great for my hunting area. I'm kinda a slow learning individual so I figured that should be 6 clicks. Now that put me 3" high. WTF!?!? After that group I decided to go 3 clicks down. PERFECT. Last 3 shots were a 1" group, dead center, 1.5" high. I guess I have one of those "special" Minox scopes that say they are "1 click = 1/4" but are really "1 click = 1/2". Oh well. I really like the Minox, its very clear. Had no shift in impact from 3 to 15. I went to shoot the 160gr Partitions but realized in my haste to get ready I had grabbed more NAB.

I also shot the BLR. For a rifle with a TERRIBLE trigger, it shoots very well. I had purchased a bunch (15 box) of Hornady SST 150 gr ammo as this rifle loves that particular load. The guy shooting next to me asked if he could shoot it and he shot a 1.25 inch group with it as well. He couldnt believe that a lever gun could shoot as well as it did.

So far I am pleased with this rifle/scope combo. Recoil is not unpleasant and it seems like an accurate gun. The scope is very clear. I believe that maybe, just maybe a 160 grain NAB at 3120fps will kill a 125 pound Michigan whitetail. :grin:

 

[JD338]

Sounds like you have a good set up! Yes, the 160 gr PT should do the trick on our big WT bucks too. :grin:
Where were you shooting, Island Lake?

JD338

 

[375hh1973]

Yeah, went to Island Lake. Its 10 minutes from my front door. Didnt figure it would be that crowded this far til November 15th.

I was wrong.

Hadnt shot rifles there on a Sunday in awhile. Forgot what it was like. I usually go there on a Thursday at 11am and its nice.

 

[Elkman]

Sounds like you did well. I have also had one of those 1/4 X 1/2 scopes, it really makes sighting in a challenge. My problem is I cannot remember which scope it is. Hopefully I traded it away. Sounds like nyou are dialed in and ready to go. More practice will give you confidence.

 

[DrMike]

I do like the 160 AB in my 7WSM. Sounds as if you had a reasonably productive day.

 

[SJB358]

Man, it sounds like that rifle is shooting really well, right outta the gates! Not that I am surprised a bit as the Model 70 EW's are an awesome rifle right from the get go.

I have come to find that alot of scopes don't move exactly as they should. I started reading in Brian Litz's book about actually testing the scopes elevation and windage adjustments in order to get the actual movement of the dial, that way you will know exactly what the scope is doing.

It was actually a pretty easy test, if you can set up a piece of ply wood, with a single dot at the bottom, use a level or plumb bob to scribe a line in the paper. Shoot the target at 100 yards, then crank in 10 MOA or approximately 10" of elevation shoot that at the same dot, then add another 10" or MOA, shoot again at the dot and if you have more adjustment, shoot another 10 MOA. Your shot groups should be centered on the vertical line, showing you are shooting truly straight up and down with your adjustments and you can take your group centers and measure them to show you how much actual adjustment you are getting from your scopes clicks..

I thought it was a great idea. Looking forward to giving it a try with a few of my rifles when I get back home.

Sorry for the long post. Throw up another picture of your rifle! I know it has to look sweet!

 

[akhunter]

I have the same rifle but sitting in a mcmillan compact edge. The first 3, 3-shot groups went sub-moa at 100yds with the 160gr Accubonds. I couldn't ask for anymore. I could never get sub-moa with the same bullet and load with my classic stainless 7WSM, but that one loves 140gr TTSX bullets and it is hell on deer.

 

[HeathSexton]

My 7wsm sits in a bedded B&C Medalist. I am not a fan of magnums just because of the ranges I hunt in and I don't feel that much horsepower is needed for whitetails.


That said, I love my 7wsm and it's going whitetail hunting this fall.



The 160 Partition is the bullet I am waiting for the SPS to list. That, to me, seems to be a great choice for any reasonable range and any reasonable critter.

 

[sask boy]

Sounds like you have that rifle tuned just about right. I really like the ABs so again I think you are making a great choice.
Hope your next time out you can put up a photos :mrgreen:

Blessings,
Dan

 

[SJB358]

Sounds like you have that rifle tuned just about right. I really like the ABs so again I think you are making a great choice.
Hope your next time out you can put up a photos :mrgreen:

Blessings,
Dan

I wished Winchester made a Left Handed EW Dan, you would be giddy with a 7WSM.. It is a BIG performer buddy.. With the right loads, it rivals everything the 300WSM will do with less recoil and better ballistics..

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Sounds like a great start! I really like the 7WSM and the Ex Wx is a great platform to shoot it from. Glad to see your BLR worked out as well. Is that chambered in .308Win?

 

[FOTIS]

Great start 375!